Re: Homecoming Queen an Political Correctness

: : : : : Apologies if this has been done before, but I recently heard the Monkees song 'Cheer up Sleepy Jean' and it contains the words 'and a Homecoming Queen'. Can anyone tell me what it means?

: : : : : Many thanks.

: : : : : DFG

: : : :
: : : : Once a year at most American schools, from Highschool upward, there is a weekend called "Homecoming". It's near the highpoint of the American football season and is a celebration both for students currently in school and those who have graduated. Graduates traditionally return for a visit which is why it is called "Homecoming". There is typically a parade and sometimes a dance. The most popular young man and young woman are elected Homecoming king and queen. For those of you familiar with Prom, it's a bit like that except that it takes place in the autumn.

: : : : As I'm writing about this, it reminds me of pagan harvest festivals - in a rather spooky way. Luckily for the king and queen the price of popularity doesn't involve human sacrifice or any of those embarrassing fertility rites, just wearing a silly hat and riding around in public atop a vintage car.

: : : : In the song it implies that Jean is special.

: : :
: : : Thank you - each to his own, I suppose!

: : : DFG

: :
: : Alas political correctness is taking over this grand old tradition as well. I heard a story recently that some school (I don't recall where) no longer coined them "king" and "queen" and they need not even be of different genders. They are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement and so forth. Popularity, looks and cool clothes are not considered at all. I forgot their exact titles, but I know they very PC.

: The kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol when they do the Bristol Stomp.

Excuse me, Bruce, but is there any specific reason (such as a musical rhythm) why the first phrase, unlike the second and third, is not a dactyl? SS